However, it just isn't that simple. The mp3s didn't play in IE and Firefox and threw the page out of whack. (I don't know html 5.) In offline testing, both of these codes only worked well in Chrome. (But, IE wants to download it to my browser and nonsupportive Firefox will cop out and call the file corrupt.)
So far, I have not looked into any simple embedded players.

The basic aim is that the student user should simply read a line or two of text, click on the text link and hear the file played - in any of the three browsers. Any suggestions to resolve this issue?

Thanks for your consideration,
Frank

AnswerFrank - there are compatibility issues between browsers, it is almost impossible to have all work in all browsers.